Idyllic Homage in ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is writer/director Quentin Tarantino’s personal love letter to old Hollywood that recreates a rich pastel of movie marquees of the day and a fable that mixes fact and fiction amid the turbulent sixties.

In 1969 Los Angeles, Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a TV star whose career is in freefall while his buddy and stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) struggles to find work. While Rick’s work takes him overseas filming Spaghetti westerns, Cliff befriends a hippie girl who belongs to a commune run by Charles Manson. As the decade comes to a close, Rick and Cliff share a fateful drink as actress Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) and her friends gather next door. Meanwhile, Manson followers approach with murderous intent.

The film crosscuts among the principals, tied together by circumstance, and contrasts the class disparity between the wealthy elite and the lowly stuntman. Few writers can write dialogue like Tarantino, and his sharp screenplay methodically builds character relationships and standout sequences including a Playboy mansion party, a TV western shoot, a wildly tense meeting at a remote ranch, and the violent finale in a Hollywood home.

DiCaprio is outstanding as the hard drinking, insecure actor, but it is Pitt who excels in a choice role as a pragmatist with a shady past.  The excellent supporting cast, stocked with Tarantino’s repertory actors, includes Julia Butters as a child actress who excels in a scene with DiCaprio.

Pop culture references abound with legendary hotspots, styles, and music, and special effects seamlessly blend actors with actual footage.  This is fascinating, revisionist cinema that is ultimately Tarantino’s self-fulfilling, reinvented version (think Inglourius Basterds) of a Hollywood fairy tale.  (There is an amusing end credit scene.)

***1/2 of **** stars (add ½* for Tarantino fans)      

Rutger Hauer's Shining Star

Handsome Dutch actor Rutger Hauer passed away at 75. Making a sensation in the war film Soldier of Orange, he went on to major films and TV including the underrated Nighthawks, Ladyhawke, The Hitcher, The Osterman Weekend (Sam Peckinpah's last film), and his crowning achievement as the replicant in Blade Runner. Who could forget his vicious killer who held a dove at the most poignant moment of that film? He made a great TV movie, Escape from Sobibor and had numerous character roles in films like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Batman Begins, Sin City, and much more.  Gone much too soon.

Captain Crane and the Many Roles of David Hedison

 

 

Actor David Hedison passed away at 92 leaving a substantial body of TV and movie work to complement his theatrical experience. Among his famous roles was in the original The Fly and as Felix Leiter not once but twice in different James Bond films, Live and Let Die and License to Kill.

 

 

When producer Irwin Allen came calling for The Lost World remake, he would evenrually take on the role of Captain Lee Crane in the long running mid sixties TV scifi series Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea with costar Richard Basehart. Mostly broadcast on Sundays at 7pm EST, it was, for a young boy, must see TV before VCRs, and my family would eat out for dinner and rush back so I wouldn't miss my show. Decades later at the first MidAtlantic Nostalgia Convention, I got a chance to meet him and it was truly surreal. What a nice guy. So glad I met him. What fond memories I have for the man and the show.

A Thrilling Moment in History

50 years ago today, man landed on the moon. I remember as a child watching with endless fascination the constant coverage on tv especially with news legend Walter Cronkite every step of the way. Even a black and white image on tv carried such high drama. This never ever happened before. You were watching history in the making as the whole family sat rapt in attention. I couldn't believe this was happening for real, yet it was. My dad was an astrophysicist who had ties to the space program, and even he was captivated.
There is a true story how sci-fi writer Arthur C Clarke (2001: A Space Odyssey) made a bet in the 1950s that we would land a man on the moon by June 1969. He lost the bet by one month.
I join everyone in celebrating a milestone accomplishment in history that not only Americans can be proud, but as a pinnacle of human experience and wonder. Here's to that and the men and women who helped make it happen especially heroes Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins.

Loving Lies in THE FAREWELL

Written and directed lovingly from her memories, Lulu Wang has brought to the screen a deeply personal story of Chinese culture at odds with modern convention in The Farewell. Featuring a game changing role for comedian actress Awkwafina, it is a significant, early entry to the awards season.

Billi (Awkwafina) is a young, Chinese woman in America who loves her grandmother, Nai Nai, who lives in China.  When the family learns that Nai Nai has terminal cancer, they elect to keep the truth from her and gather for a reunion on the pretense of a family wedding. Billi wrestles with her family’s wishes and the love for her grandmother as the wedding approaches.

Amid a fine ensemble, Awkwafina, in a major change of pace, nails the emotional anguish her character feels  There is not one false note in her performance.  Her Billi is independent, proud, fallible, and wears her emotion on her sleeve.  

Throughout the story, a somber undercurrent runs counter to a supposed happy occasion as the film contrasts Chinese tradition with modern thinking where East meets West.  It realistically portrays the Chinese, familial experience and what we pass along to our children.  It also explores the levels of deception or half-truths among family members and reassessing revelations from the past.   

The film is methodically paced, balancing the delicate drama with fleeting moments of humor and really hits the spot with three, final shots that are memorable. Its portrayal of an Asian family may be old school, but its themes are universal.  The film is partly in English and primarily Mandarin Chinese with subtitles. Stay with it, and it will make a lasting impression. It’s a thoughtful, important film by a director and actress just beginning to make their mark.

**** of **** stars

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME and Transition

Officially the bookend for Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase 3 which climaxed in Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: Far from Home (with repeat director Jon Watts) is an enjoyable adventure which sets a course for the future of not only Spider-Man, but the Marvel universe. 

Months after the traumatic events of The Avengers’ battle with Thanos, people are adjusting to a new normal including high schooler Peter Parker aka Spider-Man (Tom Holland) and his friends MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) who all go on a class trip to Europe. With the world moving to an uncertain future and needing heroes to protect it, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) attempts to recruit Spider-Man to fight a monstrous threat. Meanwhile, a new super powered hero, Quentin Beck aka Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal), befriends Peter, and after the monster is seemingly defeated, Peter wants to resume his trip and get closer with MJ. But shocking, new dangers emerge from within that threaten his friends.

The cast including Marisa Tomei as Aunt May and Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan lend strong support.  Holland is always a joy to watch as he struggles with personal loss, his responsibility as a super hero, and teen angst particularly his endearing relationship with MJ.  The film explores themes of trust and betrayal and contrasts what is real and what is illusion (timely subjects). Ultimately, it is Peter’s willingness to trust his own abilities and his own ‘Spider Sense’ which may be the difference.

This well paced film balances humor and action and will satisfy Marvel fans (especially with many references to previous Marvel films), and with no Marvel films later this year, it hints at Marvel’s future.  (No more Stan Lee cameos, but do not miss two game changing end credit scenes.)

***1/2 of **** stars

Heartfelt Change in Toy Story 4

 Just when you thought Toy Story 3 was the perfect conclusion to the saga of Woody and Buzz Lightyear, comes Toy Story 4, a feel-good, touching journey that takes the toy mythology to another level.  This G-rated, animated adventure will make you make you laugh and cry, all wrapped in love.

In a flashback, the toys experience separation and loss over the years as they are moved from Andy to Bonnie, who ‘makes’ a new toy, Forky, who subsequently runs away.  As Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), and the other toys band together to rescue Forky, their pursuit leads to a carnival and an antique store, where a group of mysterious toys awaits. Old faces appear, and new relationships are forged as the toys’ world is upended.   

The film encompasses important themes of acceptance and having a purpose and the need to belong to a child. The aspects of loyalty and self-sacrifice loom heavily, and what has always been the hallmark of these films is the redemption of characters when all seems lost. 

Woody leads the narrative with strong support by Bo Peep (Annie Potts) and Buzz, who listens to his ‘inner voice’ recordings.  Comedians Key and Peele (yup Jordan Peele) as plushy, wisecracking animals and Keanu Reeves as a motorcycle daredevil, Duke Caboom, are a riot.

The computer animation is remarkable and renders characters and backgrounds in brilliant detail. Sharp eyed viewers may catch Easter Eggs from other Pixar films, and the voice credits may surprise you too.

There are wild, exciting scenes, funny gags, and engaging pathos as the film builds to an emotional climax, and a new dynamic emerges that promises new, exciting adventures. Toy Story 5, anyone? (Stay through the end credits for bonus fun.)

**** of **** stars

Romantic Longings In YESTERDAY

A fanciful, ‘what if’ tale that is a kinder, gentler Twilight Zone, Yesterday is a valentine to dreamers and fans waxing nostalgic for The Beatles.  As directed by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours) from a screenplay by Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually), it’s an entertaining fantasy with some amusing moments.

Struggling musician/songwriter Jack Malik (Himesh Patel in an endearing performance) is ready to give up on his singing career when fate intervenes, and he awakens to a world where no one has ever heard of the Beatles.  When he sings their songs, the public responds until he becomes a global phenomenon. As fame and fortune reach fever pitch and strains his relationship with his lifelong friend and manager, Ellie (Lily James), Jack makes a life altering choice.

The film is an excuse to cover a treasure trove of Fab Four classics, and to hear these songs anew is to rediscover their charm and magic. It’s also about the creative spirit and the price of stardom, and as with most of Curtis’ best work, they are about the special relationship between a man and a woman.  There are subplot wrinkles along the way including a momentous meeting that shakes up the narrative, and the Google search engine is used to great, comedic effect.  Strong support is provided by Kate McKinnon as a ruthless music manager, Ed Sheeran as himself, and Joel Fry as a lovable roadie.  

Despite its fascinating premise that is not quite fully developed, it represents a growing genre of films where alternate realities are possible.  It’s a feel good experience with a winning cast and an endearing romance.  Time to pull out those Beatles albums!

*** of **** stars (add ½ * for Beatles fans)

ROCKETMAN and the Search for Love

Told in a stream of consciousness format, Rocketman takes off as a personal biography of rock music legend, Elton John, and showcases a rich, transformative performance by Taron Egerton (Kingsman:The Secret Service). Director Dexter Fletcher (who finished Bohemian Rhapsody,) has an eye for recreating pop icons, and this film presents John’s life as not only a musical fantasy, but one grounded in a gritty reality with its unflinching portrait of his sexuality and personal demons.

Flashing back and forth from his lonely childhood to key moments in his life, Reginald Dwight demonstrates an ear for music and playing the piano. Renaming himself Elton John, he exploits his musical acumen during a chance meeting with songwriter Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), and so  begins a remarkable run of hit songs (and increasingly flamboyant stage presence) and worldwide fame. Yet plagued by distant parents and questioning his sexual identity, he yearns for real love and sinks further into a life of excess and addiction to alcohol, drugs, and destructive relationships. At a crossroads in his life, his search for his authentic self begins a long road to recovery and triumph.   

It’s fascinating to experience so many of John’s catalogue of classic songs, which anchor the narrative, brought to the screen imaginatively. Egerton actually sings these himself, and it works beautifully; it’s an Oscar worthy performance. Special mention should go to Richard Madden and Bryce Dallas Howard in effective, supporting roles.

While it has a more fanciful approach than a standard drama, it compares favorably to Bohemian Rhapsody particularly in the end where it culminates with powerful, emotional heft. It leaves you wanting a bit more and compelled to go out and listen to all those tunes again.

***1/2 of **** stars (add ½* for Elton John fans)

Doris Day and the Golden Age of Hollywood

 
Multitalented Singer actress Doris Day passed away after just turning 97. She represented the heart of Hollywood's Golden Age.
A very popular singer who recorded more than 650 songs starting with Sentimental Journey, she quickly became a movie star who proved adept in dramas, thrillers, romantic comedies, and musicals from the 1940s through 1960s including Love Me or Leave Me, Calamity Jane, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Pillow Talk, and dozens more. She later found TV series success in the 1970s which featured her signature Oscar winning song, Que Sera Sera.

She was paired numerous times with Gordon McRae, Rock Hudson or James Garner, and played opposite some of the greatest leading men of all time like Cary Grant, Clark Gable, James Cagney, and Jimmy Stewart. She was for several years the number one box office star in the early 1960s.
An animal rights activist, her wholesome appeal as the girl next door with the slow burn when ruffled, served her well with her adoring fans.
She was the epitome of a movie star beloved by millions.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME is Marvel’s Emotional Pinnacle

Led by producer Kevin Feige (who needs to be considered for the Thalberg Award), directors Joe and Anthony Russo, and writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, Avengers: Endgame, is an epic, emotional adventure and direct followup to Avengers: Infinity War that ties major storylines from 21 previous films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

 

Following the cataclysmic events triggered by Thanos (Josh Brolin) and six Infinity Stones which decimate humanity, the surviving Avengers including Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans) are coping with grief and post-trauma as they try to find a way to reverse the tragic events and bring back loved ones against unbelievable odds and unplanned obstacles.

The structure of the film places our heroes in situations that reshuffle past narratives across the universe and the passage of time. To say anymore would risk spoiling the experience of an intricately plotted and realized story. (Think Lord of the Rings and Back to the Future films.)  Just when you think you know where the plot is going and who will survive, there are surprises and new threats. The film focuses on the importance of family and sacrifice, a recurring theme, and amid bleak circumstances, there are moments of humor and compassion. 

Despite a deliberately slower paced beginning and a couple of unresolved subplots and characters, it’s an ambitious, three hour extravaganza with an incredible, grand finale that brings closure (and tears of joy and sadness) for several story arcs involving dozens of beloved characters that will reward and resonate with fans who have seen some or all of the earlier Marvel films.  There are also amazing cameos (Stan Lee appears) and callbacks galore and no post credit scenes for this ending chapter in Marvel. 

**** of **** stars for Marvel fans

Breezy Charm in SHAZAM!

A cross between Big and Superman, Shazam! is a fun loving superhero tale that is a refreshing take (from former horror director David F. Sandberg) on a comic book hero from DC Comics.

Set in 1974 and fast forwarding to the present, a powerful wizard seeks a human worthy of assuming superpowers against the Seven Deadly Sins who are desperate to wreak havoc. After growing up shuttled among foster homes, 14 year old Billy Batson has spent his life searching for his real mom.  His journey leads him to a foster home, where he learns the meaning of a real family. When he is transformed into a costumed, adult alter ego, Shazam (Zachary Levi well cast), he must learn to control his super powers and do battle with a deadly foe. It’s the ultimate battle between good versus evil. 

The film never takes itself too seriously compared to earlier, dark DC Comic films and makes for a great origin story with a bit of Harry Potter vibe. It has heart with its themes of belonging and the importance of having a loving, supportive family. It’s about Billy discovering his own truths and learning about the responsibilities of his newfound superpowers and what makes a hero. The film succeeds in focusing on the effects of abuse and trauma on children as well as depicting bullying and peer pressure in school. 

Though the climactic battle goes on a bit too long, the film never ceases to entertain as it balances the action with very funny moments especially when Shazam tests the limits of his extraordinary abilities. There are a couple of neat, surprise twists toward the end and DC Universe Easter eggs sprinkled throughout as well as two post-credit scenes.    

*** ½ of **** stars